• What kind of player will the Indians receive from Tampa Bay for Kelly Shoppach?

Look for a return similar to what they received from the Giants for Ryan Garko last season. The Giants sent them Class A left-hander Scott Barnes, who was a combined 14-5 with a 3.41 ERA last season. He struck out 138, walked 49 and allowed 131 hits in 142⅓ innings.

Barnes, a fourth-round pick in 2005, was 12-3 with a 2.85 ERA for the Giants Class A San Jose at the time of the deal. He made three starts with no record and a 2.13 ERA at Class A Kinston. At Class AA Akron, he was 2-2 in six starts with a 5.66 ERA.

The left-hander isn't an elite prospect, but has a chance to be a productive big leaguer.

The Indians must pick a player from the Rays by Dec. 20.

• They're in: Whitey Herzog and Doug Harvey were elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee for manager and umpires.

Herzog managed 18 seasons in the big leagues, including 11 in St. Louis. He won six division titles, three pennants and the 1982 World Series. He also managed the Rangers, Angels and Royals.

He was named on 14 of the 16 ballots cast.

Harvey umpired 31 years in the National League. He worked 4,670 games, including five World Series, six All-Star games and nine National League Championship Series.

He was named on 15 of the 16 ballots cast. Seventy five percent or 12 votes were needed to fore election.

• Denied entrance: Marvin Miller, who formed the players association and changed the face of the game, was once again denied election to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee for executives and pioneers. The committee did not elect a candidate.

John Fetz was the leading vote getter with eight (66.7 percent) on the 12 ballots cast. Miller was second with seven (58.3 percent). Former Indians President Gabe Paul received fewer than three votes.

• Funny men: Bob Nightengale of USA Today and Scott Miller of CBSSports.com told me today that they are not picking the Indians to win the pennant in 2010. They both picked the Tribe to do exactly that last year.

• He wants two: The Twins would like Carl Pavano back, but he's looking for a two-year deal. The Twins would like to keep it at one.

• Delayed: Indians manager Manny Acta was scheduled to arrive at the winter meetings today, but plane problems have delayed him until Tuesday

• Swing away: The Indians are expected to name a hitting coach on Tuesday. Jon Nunnally, the Indians hitting coach at Class AAA Columbus, and Dave Hudgnes, their minor league field coordinator, are the candidates.

Follow Us

cleveland.com is powered by Plain Dealer Publishing Co. and Northeast Ohio Media Group. All rights reserved (About Us).The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Northeast Ohio Media Group LLC.